Drywall Positioning Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a drywall positioning device that allows a single user to easily hang drywall. The device is primarily comprised of a body with at least one handle positioned on the top surface and at least one protrusion positioned on the bottom surface. During use, the device can be grasped by the handle and thrust into a piece of drywall, such that the protrusion becomes embedded in the drywall and the piece of drywall can be picked up via the handle and moved into position against a wall stud. The user can continue to hold the drywall in position with one hand on the handle while their other hand fastens the drywall to the wall stud. Once fastened, the device can be removed by pulling the device away from the drywall to pull the protrusion out from the drywall.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/303,241, which was filed on Jan. 26, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of drywall hanging. More specifically, the present invention relates to a drywall positioning device primarily comprised of a body with at least one handle positioned on the top surface and at least one protrusion positioned on the bottom surface. During use, the device can be grasped by the handle and thrust into a piece of drywall such that the protrusion becomes embedded in the drywall and the piece of drywall can be picked up via the handle and moved into position against a wall stud. The user can continue to hold the drywall in position with one hand on the handle while their other hand fastens the drywall to the wall stud. Once fastened, the device can be removed by pulling the device away from the drywall to pull the protrusion out from the drywall. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Hanging drywall can be a difficult task, especially while working alone. During the drywall installation process, individuals may need to lift drywall into place and simultaneously secure the drywall to a wall stud using fasteners while holding the drywall in position. This process requires great strength, physical dexterity, and coordination. Further, if drywall is accidentally dropped during this process, it could be damaged and may need replaced. However, using two individuals to hang drywall may not be possible due to the size of the working area, time, efficiency, availability, cost, etc.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that aids a single user in installing drywall. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a drywall positioning device that allows a single user to hold drywall into position against a wall stud or other similar structure during drywall installation. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a drywall positioning device that allows a single user to hold drywall into position against a wall stud or other similar structure during drywall installation, wherein the device can be easily attached and removed from drywall during use and after.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a drywall positioning device. The device is primarily comprised of a body with at least one handle positioned on the top surface and at least one protrusion positioned on the bottom surface. During use, the device can be grasped by the handle and thrust into a piece of drywall such that the protrusion becomes embedded in the drywall. Then, the piece of drywall can be picked up via the handle and moved into position against a wall stud. The user can continue to hold the drywall in position with one hand on the handle while their other hand fastens the drywall to the wall stud. Once fastened, the device can be removed by pulling the device away from the drywall to pull the protrusion out from the drywall. The hole left by the protrusion can then be filled while mudding/finishing the drywall during the drywall finishing process.

In this manner, the drywall positioning device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a drywall positioning device that allows a single user to hold drywall into position against a wall stud or other similar structure during drywall installation. During this process, the device can be easily attached and removed from drywall. As a result, the device provides a novel solution to the challenges faced by an individual while hanging drywall alone.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a drywall positioning device. The device is primarily comprised of a body with at least one handle positioned on the top surface and at least one protrusion positioned on the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the body is comprised of at least one protrusion. The protrusion is preferably a pointed protrusion with a pointed tip that points away from the bottom surface. In differing embodiments, the protrusion may vary in height such that when the protrusion penetrates drywall (i.e., when the body is pushed into the top surface of the drywall) the protrusion does not fully penetrate through the drywall.

The body is also comprised of at least one handle that allows a user to easily position and grasp the device during use. The handle may be any ergonomic shape known in the art. The handle may also be comprised of at least one grip area that allows the handle to be more easily grasped.

The device is also comprised of a method of use. First, the device is grasped by a user using the handle. Then, the user thrusts the device into the top surface of a piece of drywall such that at least one protrusion becomes embedded within the drywall. Next, the drywall piece can be placed into position on a wall or other area by moving the piece while holding the handle. While still holding the handle (and holding the drywall in position), the drywall can be fastened to a wall stud or other area. Once securely fastened, a user can pull the device out from the top surface via the handle such that the protrusion is pulled out of the drywall and the device becomes unsecured to the drywall.

Accordingly, the drywall positioning device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that aids a single user in installing drywall. More specifically, the device allows a single user to hold drywall into position against a wall stud or other similar structure during drywall installation, wherein the device can be easily attached and removed from drywall during use. In this manner, the drywall positioning device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of hanging drywall with only one individual known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a drywall positioning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a drywall positioning device of the present invention while attached to a piece of drywall in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a drywall positioning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that aids a single user in installing drywall. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a drywall positioning device that allows a single user to hold drywall into position against a wall stud or other similar structure during drywall installation. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a drywall positioning device that allows a single user to hold drywall into position against a wall stud or other similar structure during drywall installation, wherein the device can be easily attached and removed from drywall during use.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a drywall positioning device primarily comprised of a body with at least one handle positioned on the top surface and at least one protrusion positioned on the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the body is comprised of at least one protrusion that is preferably a pointed protrusion with a pointed tip that points away from the bottom surface. In differing embodiments, the protrusion may vary in height such that when the protrusion penetrates drywall (when the body is placed on the top surface of the drywall), the protrusion does not fully penetrate through the drywall.

The body is also comprised of at least one handle that allows a user to easily position and grasp the device during use. The handle may be any ergonomic shape known in the art. The handle may also be comprised of at least one grip area that allows the handle to be more easily grasped.

In addition, the device is comprised of a method of use. First, the device is grasped by a user using the handle. Then, the user thrusts the device into the top surface of a piece of drywall such that at least one protrusion becomes embedded within the drywall. Next, the drywall piece can be placed into position on a wall or other area by moving the piece while holding the handle. While still holding the handle (and holding the drywall in position), the drywall can be fastened to a wall stud or other area. Once securely fastened, a user can pull the device out of the top surface via the handle, such that the protrusion is pulled out of the drywall and the device becomes unsecured from the drywall.

Accordingly, the drywall positioning device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that aids a single user in installing drywall. More specifically, the device allows a single user to hold drywall into position against a wall stud or other similar structure during drywall installation, wherein the device can be easily attached and removed from drywall during use. In this manner, the drywall positioning device overcomes the limitations of existing methods of hanging drywall with only one individual known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a drywall positioning device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 110 with at least one handle 130 positioned on the top surface 120 and at least one protrusion 142 positioned on the bottom surface 140. In various embodiments, the device 100 may be made from a plurality of material. Said material includes, but is not limited to, a durable metal such as, but not limited to, stainless steel; wood; or a rigid plastic such, as but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc.

In the preferred embodiment, the body 110 is rectangular in shape. However, the body 110 may be any shape and size in various embodiments. This includes shapes such as, but not limited to, square, circular, triangular, etc.

The bottom surface 140 of the body 110 is comprised of at least one protrusion 142. In various embodiments, the bottom surface 140 may have a first protrusion 142, a second protrusion 144, and/or any other numbers of protrusions 142,144. The protrusions 142,144 may be arranged in any pattern, spacing, and orientation on the bottom surface 140 so long as the tip 146 of each protrusion 142,144 points away from the bottom surface 140.

In differing embodiments, the protrusions 142,144 may vary in height. As will be explained more fully below, the protrusion 142,144 penetrates drywall 10 when the body 110 is pushed into the top surface 12 of the drywall 10. In order to ensure the protrusion 142,144 does not fully penetrate through the drywall 10, the protrusion 142,144 preferably has a height less than the thickness of the drywall 10, as seen in FIG. 2 . Therefore, the protrusion 142,144 is preferably any height less than ¾″, ⅜″, ½″, ⅝″ etc., or less than any other drywall or similar wall covering material thickness known in the art.

The body 110 is also comprised of at least one handle 130. The handle 130 allows a user to easily position and grasp the device 100 during use. The handle 130 may be any ergonomic shape known in the art. The handle 130 may also be comprised of at least one grip area 132. The grip area 132 may be textured with a recessed or raised texture or may be non-textured. The grip area 132 is preferably made from a non-slip material that improves grip such as, but not limited to, silicone, latex, neoprene, EPDM, PVC foam, polyethylene, sponge rubber, silicone foam, urethane, cork, ridged and/or recessed rubber, felt, acrylic, polyester & SBR, etc. As a result of the grip area 132, the handle 130 can be more easily grasped.

In one embodiment, the body 110 may be comprised of at least one opening 112. The opening 112 allows a user to screw a fastener through the body 110 and into the drywall 10 and wall stud 14 while still holding the drywall 10 up with the device 100. The opening 112 may be positioned anywhere on the body 110 and/or handle 130.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using 200 one potential embodiment of a drywall positioning device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is also comprised of a method of use 200. First, the device 100 is grasped by a user using the handle 130 [Step 202]. Then, the user thrusts the device 100 into the top surface 12 of a piece of drywall 10 such that at least one protrusion 142 becomes embedded within the drywall 10 [Step 204]. Next, the drywall 10 piece can be placed into position on a wall or other area by moving the piece while holding the handle 130 [Step 206]. While still holding the handle 130 (and holding the drywall 10 in position), the drywall 10 can be fastened to a wall stud 14 or other area (which may also be done through the opening 112 as explained above) [Step 208]. Once securely fastened, a user can pull the device 100 out of the top surface 12 via the handle 130, such that the protrusion 142 is pulled out of the drywall 10 and the device 100 becomes unsecured to the drywall 10 [Step 210]. The hole left by the protrusion 142 can then be filled during the drywall mudding process [Step 212].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “drywall positioning device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the drywall positioning device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the drywall positioning device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the drywall positioning device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the drywall positioning device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the drywall positioning device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the drywall positioning device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A drywall positioning device comprising: a body; a handle positioned on a top surface of the body; and a protrusion positioned on a bottom surface of the body.
 2. The drywall positioning device of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of a rectangular body.
 3. The drywall positioning device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is comprised of a pointed protrusion.
 4. The drywall positioning device of claim 3, wherein the pointed protrusion extends away from the bottom surface.
 5. A drywall positioning device comprising: a body; a handle positioned on a top surface of the body; a grip area; and a protrusion positioned on a bottom surface of the body.
 6. The drywall positioning device of claim 5, wherein the body is comprised of an opening.
 7. The drywall positioning device of claim 5, wherein the protrusion is comprised of a pointed protrusion.
 8. The drywall positioning device of claim 7, wherein the pointed protrusion extends away from the bottom surface.
 9. The drywall positioning device of claim 5, wherein the grip area is positioned on the handle.
 10. The drywall positioning device of claim 9, wherein the grip area is comprised of a non-slip material.
 11. The drywall positioning device of claim 10, wherein the non-slip material is comprised of a raised texture.
 12. The drywall positioning device of claim 10, wherein the non-slip material is comprised of a recessed texture.
 13. The drywall positioning device of claim 5, wherein the protrusion is comprised of a height less than ¼ in.
 14. The drywall positioning device of claim 5, wherein the protrusion is comprised of a height less than ⅜ in.
 15. The drywall positioning device of claim 5, wherein the protrusion is comprised of a height less than ½ in.
 16. The drywall positioning device of claim 5, wherein the protrusion is comprised of a height less than ⅝ in.
 17. A method of using a drywall positioning device, the method comprising the steps of: grasping a drywall positioning device by a handle of the drywall positioning device; pushing the drywall positioning device into a top surface of a piece of drywall such that a protrusion of the drywall positioning device is embedded within the piece of drywall; placing the piece of drywall into position on a wall by moving the piece of drywall while holding the handle; holding the handle and fastening the piece of a drywall to a wall stud; and pulling the drywall positioning device out of the top surface of the piece of drywall to remove the drywall positioning device from the piece of drywall.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the drywall positioning device is comprised of an opening in a body of the drywall positioning device.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the piece of drywall is fastened to the wall stud through the opening.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein a height of the protrusion is less than a thickness of the piece of drywall. 